Definition

Noun (plural in form, usually used with a plural verb) 1. The probability or likelihood that something will or will not happen. This refers to the chance or probability of a particular event occurring, often expressed as a ratio. 2. The ratio of the probability of one event to that of an alternative event. This is a mathematical expression of likelihood, comparing the chance of something happening to the chance of it not happening. 3. A difference in advantage or strength, giving one side a better chance of winning. This refers to an imbalance in a contest or situation. 4. (In betting) The ratio of the amount paid to the amount staked, based on the perceived probability of an outcome. This is the payout ratio offered by a bookmaker.

Usage and Examples

• Expressing Probability:
  • The odds of winning the lottery are extremely low.
  • What are the odds that it will rain tomorrow?
  • The odds are in favor of the incumbent winning the election.
  • Against all odds, the small startup became a global success.
• Expressing a Ratio (Betting/Probability):
  • The bookmaker offered odds of 5 to 1 on the underdog. (Meaning a successful $1 bet wins $5).
  • The odds of the coin landing on heads are 1:1 (or "even odds").
• Expressing an Imbalance or Disadvantage:
  • They overcame tremendous odds to achieve their goal.
  • The team was fighting against overwhelming odds.

Advanced Usage and Idioms

• Against all odds: Succeeding or happening despite being very unlikely.
  • She recovered against all odds.
• At odds (with): In conflict or disagreement with someone or something.
  • His actions are at odds with his words.
• By all odds: Without question; certainly.
  • She is by all odds the most qualified candidate.
• What's the odds? or It makes no odds: It makes no difference; it doesn't matter.
  • "Should we leave now or later?" – "What's the odds? We have plenty of time."
• The odds are stacked against (someone/something): The conditions make success very unlikely.
  • The odds are stacked against any new business surviving the first year.

Variants and Related Words

• Odds-on (adjective): Being the clear favorite or most likely outcome.
  • He is the odds-on favorite to win the race.
• Oddsmaker (noun): A person who sets betting odds.
• Odds and ends (idiomatic noun phrase): Miscellaneous small items, remnants, or tasks.
  • The drawer is full of odds and ends.

Synonyms

• Probability
• Likelihood
• Chance(s)
• Advantage (in the context of an imbalance)
• Edge (in the context of an imbalance)

Antonyms

• Certainty
• Inevitability
• Disadvantage (in the context of an imbalance)

Noun

1. the ratio by which one better's wager is greater than that of another
   • he offered odds of two to one
2. the likelihood of a thing occurring rather than not occurring